Sebi seeks clarification on iGate-Patni deal

Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has sought clarifications on the $1.22-billion (more than Rs 5,400 crore) takeover of India's sixth largest IT firm Patni Computer by US-based iGate, which is awaiting regulatory nod for about two months.

Sebi has sought reply from the Merchant Bankers (MB)-- Kotak Mahindra Capital Company -- of the deal on certain clarifications required for its clearance.

The open offer by the iGate was to open on March 4 and was to close on  March 23.

In January this year, US-based iGate-led consortium had clinched a deal to buy nearly 63% stake in India's sixth largest IT firm Patni Computer for about $921 million (Rs 4,188 crore) after several rounds of negotiations.

The deal size, however, is to go up to about $1.22 billion (more than Rs 5,400 crore), after acquisition of 20% from public shareholders at the same price of Rs 503.50 a share through the mandatory open offer.

The aggregate price for the shares to be purchased in the open offer assuming full tender is estimated at $301 million.

Under the deal, iGate, in a consortium with private equity firm Apax Partners, will buy the entire 45.6% stake of Patni brothers -- Narendra Patni, Ashok Patni and Gajendra Patni -- along with General Atlantic's 17.4 per cent stake in the firm.